Wisconsin Rent Increase Laws

Wisconsin Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 11, 2024 by Jessica Menefee

Rent Increase Facts Answer
Reason Needed? No
Maximum Amount No Statute
Required Notice No Statute

Does Wisconsin Have Rent Control?

Wisconsin does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords ask for rent. State law prohibits local governments from establishing rent control laws.

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When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Wisconsin?

Landlords in Wisconsin can raise the rent at any time, as long as they comply with the following:

  • Aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons
  • Give reasonable notice
  • Wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)

example

28 days before the end of a year-long lease, a landlord sends the tenant a notice that rent will increase by 8.5% if they choose to renew the lease.

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Wisconsin?

Landlords in Wisconsin may not raise the rent if:

  • It is during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement).
  • The increase is applied in a way that discriminates against one of the protected classes specified in the Fair Housing Act.
  • It is done in response to a protected tenant action, such as filing a complaint. This is known as “retaliation” .

In addition to the characteristics above, the Wisconsin Fair Housing Law prohibits discrimination due to:

  • Marital status
  • Ancestry
  • Source of income
  • Age
  • Status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking
    note

    In most areas of Wisconsin, the law does not specify a time between the tenant action and the rent increase that qualifies as retaliation. However, in Madison, an action by a landlord is considered retaliatory if it occurs within 6 months after something a tenant does.

    How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Wisconsin?

    Landlords in Wisconsin can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as reasonable notice is provided each time.

    How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Wisconsin?

    Wisconsin law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent. However, 28 days’ notice is typically used as reasonable notice of a rent increase.

    How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Wisconsin?

    Landlords in Wisconsin can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.

    Sources

    Rent Increases & Fees in Other States